So this is going to be super fun. As part of the distance competition at University of California, Santa Cruz on Wednesday 16 May, Tom Schot is going to bring out a number of 119-Discs for the big arms to throw in a separate competition.

The essential question we are asking is this: Can today's big arms throw as far as the big arms of yesterday, using the same equipment?

The 119-Disc is what folks were throwing in the late 1970s for max distance, before the heavier phosphorous discs came out (around 1980). There were only a handful of throwers able to break 400' distance with this disc in the late 1970s, almost always throwing sidearm (it was easier to get the nose down with a sidearm throw). Ken Westerfield smashed world records in 1978 with a 552' sidearm throw, a record that still stands today for sidearm throws. However, his usual throws were closer to 330'-360'. Other distance competitions held in California at the time showed throwers struggling to break 330' with a 119-Disc.

We should have a pretty good turnout for this event, as it is just prior to Masters Cup NT in Santa Cruz. We expect quite a few big arms to turn out. Avery Jenkins has already been practicing with a 119, and said it was very interesting to try and throw it far...it requires very clean release and smooth mechanics. A lot of the old school guys don't think today's throwers have a good enough sidearm to get anywhere close to 350'.

What do you think?

Here's a photo of Ken Westerfield with a 119-Disc in Santa Cruz, 1977:

The results depend on a variety of factors. how many throws they get, the wind, who are participating, have they practiced BH or FH etc. There certainly are talented players around these days. I have no idea about how a 119 flies having first played 5 years later than the 119 was bested by a newer design per JHerns post. And we threw beach discs that weren't even close to the quality of the Zephyr. I wonder how many discs they will break? And does anyone break a disc from gripping alone I don't wonder if modern players can sidearm 400' with a disc that was thrown 500+ because at least Jeremy Koling, Will Shusterick and others were playing all manner of fun games with lids in a rain break at the EO 2011. And Jeremy has a clean FH and a lot of distance potential.

Flat shots need running on the center line of the tee and planting each step on the center line. Anhyzer needs running from rear right to front left with the plant step hitting the ground to the left of the line you're running on. Hyzer is the mirror of that.

ZZgolfer wrote:When i started Disc golfing in 1977 i used a 119! Never could get great distance....I'm Very interested in how the new players will fair. I think they will adapt and be able to get some good D.

Welcome. There are probably few here that have started playing as early as you have. Respect to all who have gone before because us later disc golfers stand on the shoulders of giants. What we do has been mostly created by people who started only a decade before you and your generation of players have successfully carried the torch too. Oh teach us wise one

Flat shots need running on the center line of the tee and planting each step on the center line. Anhyzer needs running from rear right to front left with the plant step hitting the ground to the left of the line you're running on. Hyzer is the mirror of that.

Dave Dunipace wrote:I don't think some of your information is correct. The world record was not set by Westerfield at that time. The record, 444ft, was set in Dallas as it says in wiki something, but it was not Westerfield, it was John Kirkland throwing backhand, with a yellow 119 aka 40 mold. Westerfield's perported throw was a demonstration, not a record. Kirkland held the record for several years.

Not to be a nag, but most throwers threw backhand at the time, same as now.

Westerfield was one of the best sidearms at the time, but I am not sure if he was any better than Tom Monroe or Victor Malefronte.

JHern talking out of his ass?

Ryen91 wrote:I am pretty sure I am more intelligent then you think and have allot more knowledge then your post might suggest.